CENTCOM Operations Director Visits USS Abraham Lincoln

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Director of Operations U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti and members of his staff, who are based in Tampa, Fla., visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) May 11-12.

During their visit, the CENTCOM officials toured the ship and received briefs on the strike group's responsibilities and capabilities. They also were given an opportunity to watch flight operations and spend time with the crew.

Scaparrotti said this was his first visit aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier while underway.

"Getting aboard and talking to the people who operate the ship and seeing the complexity of the operations is helpful for me when I am taking a look at plans for the region," said Scaparrotti. "The carrier plays an essential role in everything we do in Central Command every day."

Scaparrotti said meeting Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 2 Sailors was a highlight of his visit.

"I had an excellent time," he said. "It's great to see the professionalism and the proficiency of the crew. They're doing complex and dangerous tasks quite well. It was great to be here."

"Thanks for the great motivation, and thank you for the time away from your family and friends," he said. "Thank you for getting things done every day. You are making a difference."

Biscone also said the visit was a great opportunity for CENTCOM to become familiar with the missions linked with Lincoln.

"It's better for us to get out here and talk to the Sailors so we understand how best to employ you to make sure we complete our mission," he said. "We are surrounded by great equipment, but it's people who make the equipment go, and you can see that right here on the flight deck. We saw it in the spaces we walked through during our visit."